The on-stage version of Grease will premiere at Park Playhouse in Albany this week, and fans of the 1978 movie musical will be given a taste of something familiar, yet unique.
`People will come and feel nostalgic watching something on stage, watching a live performance,` said Owen Smith, the assistant producer. `But they’ll have a different experience with it. It’s a different energy with the live show.`
`Grease` the movie has its fair share of memorable musical numbers, but `Grease` on stage has even more dancing and singing.
However, it was important to Smith, director Michael LoPorto, and other members of the creative staff that `Grease` on stage also had a strong story the audience could follow.
`You want ‘Grease’ to be more than just a big concert,` said Smith.
Park Playhouse’s `Grease` isn’t all about the romance surrounding the characters that John Travolta and Olivia Newton John made famous, Danny and Sandy, but iincludes a more in-depth portrayal of characters the movie left out.
`There’s differences in who the characters are, and the names of the characters,` explained Smith. `Each couple, Doodie and Frenchy, Sonny and Marty, have their own story.`
The story is not all that’s different about `Grease` at Park Playhouse, but also the kind of crowd it’s expected to attract.
Though many of the outdoor theatre’s previous shows, like `My Fair Lady` or `Beauty and the Beast,` were geared toward a more general audience, Smith and LoPorto think `Grease` will attract the kids and teenagers, since the story deals with high-school relationships and the loss of innocence. When casting the show, LoPorto made sure the actors looked the same age as the characters, unlike many other popular movies and T.V. shows that feature actors much older than the characters are supposed to be.
Smith said he was looking for a certain type of actor.
`Young people with really good energy, so that they understand what the characters are going through,` he said.
When La Porto says he wants energy from his performers, he means it. The actors cast in `Grease` rehearsed six days a week for about four weeks; from 6 to 11pm. on the weekdays, and noon to 10 p.m. on the weekends.
After the July 12 opening, the cast will perform six days a week, through Aug. 19.
Despite the rigorous performance and rehearsal schedule, Smith said the actors are expected to make each show as big and energetic as the night before.
`We have a creative staff that inspire the cast and make them want to bring that kind of energy every night,` he said.` A lot of people think of acting as just this fun thing, but it’s a job, and they’re paid to do it.`
Since the stage production of `Grease` is a high-energy rock show with an emphasis on choreography, Megan McGarvey, who plays Sandy, said her role is challenging.
`The dancing and singing together was tough, you have to really keep your stamina up,` she said.
Nick Coccetto, who plays Danny, considers himself `an actor that moves well.`
Like his co-star, Coccetto also thought the choreography was a bit challenging, but is very confident of the finished product.
`It’s quality, the dancing is amazing. It’s the best choreography I’ve ever had.`
`Knock on wood this has been a really good cast,` LoPorto said. `Everyone has been working way harder than expected,` he said.
With all the hard work and energy that has gone into `Grease,` it’s one summer crowds won’t want to miss.
`It’s fun, it’s energetic, it’s big, it’s loud!` Smith said.
Grease, directed by Michael LoPorto, musically directed by Adam Jones, and choreographed by Mitchell A. Finke, runs Tuesday through Sunday at 8 p.m. from July 10 to Aug. 19 at Park Playhouse in Albany’s Washington Park. First-come, first-served seating is free. There is reserved seating, which costs $10 to $12. For information, visit www.parkplayhouse.com. “